A completion ceremony was held for the Crouching Emu project on Friday. Picture inset is Terry Court, Minister Ryan Smith, Mayor Jenny Houlihan, John Laing and Cr Fern Summer.

A completion ceremony for Tatura’s Crouching Emu project was held at the Dhurringile Rd site on Friday.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith was just one of the many dignitaries in attendance.

The ceremony was chaired by Terry Court, who welcomed the Minister, Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Jenny Houlihan, representatives from the Crouching Emu committee, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, Transition Tatura Committee and students representing local schools involved in the project.

The Crouching Emu Revegetation Project was set up in 2006 with the aim of creating an environmental corridor along Dhurringile Rd, from the Midland Hwy to the Toolamba-Rushworth Rd.

With exotic plants a large threat to the landscape along Dhurringile Rd, removing weeds and replanting with local plant species encouraged fauna species to return, linking important habitats to the north and south of Tatura, while enhancing the entrance to the town.

The project team met regularly to develop plans and co-ordinate activities and was made up of representatives from the Department of Primary Industries, Greater Shepparton City Council, Dhurringile and District Landcare Group, Dhurringile and District Local Area Plan, Tatura Revitalisation Committee, Generations Church and Goulburn Murray Landcare Network.

Tree planting days involved the community and local schools, held in conjunction with National Tree Day, resulted in the planting of more than 5000 plants.

The Crouching Emu Revegetation Project has contributed to the planting of more than 13000 indigenous plants and has contributed to a large reduction in weed species in the area.

Cr Houlihan highlighted the massive effort the project had been and recognised all those involved.

She said the corridor would now be handed over to the council who would continue looking after the project.

Dhurringile Landcare spokesman John Laing, who Mr Court described as ‘‘a legend in the Landcare movement’’, gave a brief run-down of the six-year project.

‘‘After receiving the initial $50000 grant, I could have been easy and got the job done in six months,’’ Mr Laing said.

‘‘It has taken six years, and in doing so, has provided a community ownership of the project.’’

Minister Smith said it was a pleasure to accept the invitation to attend the completion ceremony.

‘‘The great thing about the project is the environmental partnerships that have been formed,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a credit to all involved that we have got the results we see here today.’’